Description

MgF2 Infrared Crystal is a positive, uni-axial crystal with very high optical transmittance from the vacuum UV to IR. Its useful transmission range runs 0.12 to 8.5 um. Excimer laser windows must not solarize. The material is magnesium fluoride.

MgF2 Infrared Crystal radiation hardness

Irradiation does not lead to color centers in MgF2. Consequently, windows stay clear under ionizing radiation where other fluorides darken. That radiation resistance, paired with the vacuum-UV transmission, defines its niche.

MgF2 Infrared Crystal mechanical and thermal stability

MgF2 is chemically stable and hard. It resists thermal and mechanical shock. Therefore, components survive rapid temperature swings and rough handling. In addition, the material grows to large diameters by the vacuum Stockbarger technique, seeded along the c-axis. As a result, large windows and prisms are available.

Positive birefringence by design

MgF2 is a positive birefringent crystal. That property makes it widely used for polarizers, waveplates, and other polarization optics. Moreover, the birefringence is stable across the full transmission range. For instance, Rochon and Wollaston polarizers both use MgF2.

Typical applications

UV and excimer laser windows lead the list. Polarizers, prisms, lenses, and wedges follow. Excimer systems rely on windows that survive both UV flux and gas chemistry. For a cubic fluoride with deep-UV reach, see our CaF2 Infrared Crystal.

Request a quote for MgF2 Infrared Crystal with your dimensions and orientation requirements. Tell us the wavelength range for the right polish and coating.